Fathers for Justice
Divorced Fathers Will Not Get Legal Right to Access
The Guardian
November 2, 2011
The Family Justice Review just announced its long awaited report on family law and concludes that fathers going through divorce will not be guaranteed that their children will have a meaningful relationship with both parents. The review also criticizes the court delay that arises in child protection cases where there is an imposed statutory six month limit before reaching a decision.
The review is disheartening for groups like “Father 4 Justice” who have campaigned for improved paternal access rights. The chair of the review, David Norgrove, said: “We need to eliminate the shocking delays in the system. Every year 500,000 children and adults are involved in the family justice system. They turn to it at times of great stress and conflict.” With the decline in “happy” parents post-divorce, perhaps the solution is to turn to mediation.
Reader Comments (1)
In the same way that disputing couples are expected to learn about how divorce mediation can keep them out of court and facilitate a more humane way through breakup, parents unable to find common ground on post-breakup co-parenting, need to experience the benefits of parenting classes and coaching - learning the necessary communication skills, techniques and mindset to allow for a positive parenting partnership to exist. Online shared diaries mean even when you're not talking to each other, the arrangements for the kids can still be made. Parents need to separate their own anger and pain from their role as co-parents. It's challenging - but not impossible. It's not something that 'the law' can enforce. It's more a question of education, and social expectation.
Suzy Miller
www.sosdivorceinabox.com